DIRECT a.
. -- Direct evidence (Law), evidence which is positive or not inferential; -- opposed to circumstantial, or indirect, evidence. -- This distinction, however, is merely formal, since there is no direct evidence that is not circumstantial, or dependent on circumstances for its credibility. Wharton. -- Direct examinati…
EVIDENCE n.
tly speaking, not being synonymous with evidence, but rather the effect of it. Greenleaf. Circumstantial evidence, Conclusive evidence, etc. See under Circumstantial, Conclusive, etc. -- Crown's, King's, or Queen's evidence, evidence for the crown. [Eng.] -- State's evidence, evidence for the government or the people.…
INDIRECT a.
See Direct discourse, under Direct. -- Indirect evidence, evidence or testimony which is circumstantial or inferential, but without witness; -- opposed to direct evidence. -- Indirect tax, a tax, such as customs, excises, etc., exacted directly from the merchant, but paid indirectly by the consumer in the higher pric…